Moles Are Just Doing What Comes Natural
May’s warm soils host hundreds of beneficial fauna, such as earthworms and humus producing insects. However, while making lawns and gardens lush, these beneficial animals also are the prime food for moles.
Moles are small (4-8 inches long) mammals with stout bodies. They have well-developed forelimbs for “swimming” through the soil. The mole has no visible ears or eyes and is covered with fine grayish-brown velvet fur. Moles remain below ground, burrowing both deep and just below the surface, leaving raised sod. Lawns become uneven and feel spongy underfoot. Small mounds with no open holes may be present.
Moles are most active in spring and fall, usually burrowing at dusk and near dawn. They prefer soft, moist soil and often move into irrigated lawns from drier surrounding areas. In the spring, most of their movement is for mating; not feeding.
There are many “mole control remedies” on the market. Moles seldom eat vegetation, therefore poison baits offer little or no control. For homeowners, trapping is the most practical means of mole elimination. Both harpoon or choker traps work well. These traps must be place over active runs and left for several days.
In addition to traps, a restricted use chemical, which must be applied by a certified applicator, is effective when used properly. Heavy doses of lawn insecticides (to kill the mole’s food source) have limited results, especially in the spring. Their risks outweigh the benefits.
Castor oil and a castor oil product called Mole-Med® have shown favorable results in repelling the eastern mole. In one study, Mole Med® successfully reduced mole activity in an area for over 30 days. To be effective, the castor oil product must be thoroughly watered into the lawn. Irrigate with ˝ inch of water before applying the repellent solution, then follow-up with 1 inch or more of water. Areas that receive extensive irrigation will quickly loose the repellent to leaching. For best results, spray the entire area that is to be protected. Moles will burrow under a perimeter treatment. Homeowners can prepare their own repellent concentrate by mixing 6 ounces of 100 percent unrefined castor oil (refined is suitable, but expensive) with 2 tablespoons of liquid detergent in one gallon of water. This mixture, like the commercial product, is diluted at a rate of 1 ounce per gallon of water and applied liberally with a sprayer (covers about 300 square feet).
